EN
Compare campervan rentals all around the world
Easy to use with no booking fees.
Road Genius compares campervan and motorhome rentals across New Zealand so you can choose the right vehicle and price. Wellington is the capital on the southern tip of the North Island and a common start or end point for one-way trips that also cover Auckland, Taupō or the South Island via the Cook Strait ferry. The region has a mild climate, but wind and narrow hill roads make advance planning important for any RV journey.
Renting a campervan in Wellington costs between NZD $75 to $465 daily. Prices are influenced by the vehicle's size, age, and type, the duration of the rental, the season, and whether it's a one-way rental.
Companies offer budget-friendly campers with basic amenities as well as luxury motorhomes, with features like ensuites and full kitchens but at a higher price.
| Season | Avg High °C / °F | Good time? |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | 21 / 70 | Yes |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | 17 / 63 | Yes |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | 12 / 54 | Cool, wetter |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | 16 / 61 | Shoulder season |
The rural speed limit is 100 km/h (62 mph) unless a sign shows a lower speed. Most urban roads are 50 km/h (31 mph).
State Highway 2 over the Remutaka Hill has steep grades up to 10% and tight bends. Allow extra time and use low gear when going downhill.
Coastal routes and the Wellington urban motorway often have wind gusts over 90 km/h (55 mph). Keep both hands on the steering wheel.
Most rental campervans use diesel fuel. Diesel costs less than gasoline, but rentals include Road User Charges (RUC) instead of fuel tax. Renters do not need to pay these charges separately.
Freedom camping (free overnight parking) is legal only in marked areas in Wellington city. Fines can reach NZD 200 if you park overnight in other places.
There are no toll roads in the Wellington region. You do not need an electronic tag or online payment account.
| Place | Hook-ups | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park, Lower Hutt | Full | Large powered sites, dump station, bus to city center | 15 km from city, exposed to wind |
| Wellington Waterfront Motorhome Park (CentrePort) | Water+Electric | Walking distance to city center and ferry, CCTV security, toilets | Maximum vehicle length 7.5 m, small park that fills quickly |
| Evans Bay Marina Carpark (freedom camping) | None | Free, harbor view, city bus nearby | 2-night limit, no waste dump, fills early |
| Catchpool Valley Campground, Remutaka Forest Park | None | Forest setting, low fee, hiking tracks | 18 km gravel road, no mobile phone coverage |
| Kaitoke Regional Park Campground | None | Wide grass area, river swimming, no booking needed | Can flood after heavy rain, bring drinking water |
High-roof fuel stations (suitable for tall vehicles) and LPG gas at BP Petone and Z Seaview. Both are near State Highway 2 on the way into the city.
Free dump station with drinking water at Seaview Marina (Lower Hutt) and another in Porirua near Aotea Lagoon.
Night temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) in winter. Most onboard heaters need to be plugged into electricity at powered campsites.
Open fires are banned during the fire season from November to April. Only use gas stoves or enclosed cooking equipment.
Quiet hours at DOC (Department of Conservation) and regional park campsites are 22:00–07:00 (10 PM to 7 AM). Generators are not allowed during these hours.
Dial 111 for any emergency. Download the free NZ Civil Defence mobile app for earthquake and storm alerts.
In New Zealand, most campervan rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle from their fleet.
A few companies allow drivers aged 18 to 21 however options are usually limited to certain models and may involve extra insurance costs.
To find suitable vehicles, enter the driver's age in our search tool, and we'll show you what's available.
To rent a campervan, every driver needs a valid, full driver's license. If you have a foreign license, it must be in English or have an official English translation. If not, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Many rental companies offer one-way trips between the North and South Islands, with popular starting and ending points in Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Wellington.
Keep in mind that traveling one-way involves a ferry fee between the islands. Our support team is available to help you arrange your one-way rental.
Many campervan rental companies in New Zealand welcome pets, like dogs and cats, to join your adventure. You'll need to get approval ahead of time, and there might be a fee for additional cleaning.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support